1.What August 2023 report about drug abuse in India?
The recent report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment is titled "Drug abuse among young persons: Problems and solutions." It highlights the fast spread of drug addiction among adults, young adults, and children in India.
2.What are the alarming findings of the report?
The report expresses shock over the widespread drug abuse among children aged 10-17 years. It mentions that opioids, sedatives, and inhalants are prevalent among children in various states. The worst affected states and union territories include Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, NCT of Delhi, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
3.How many children in Punjab are addicted to drugs according to the report?
As per the report, 6.97 lakh children aged 10-17 years in Punjab are hooked on drugs. Among them, 18,100 children consume cocaine, 3.43 lakh take opioid drugs (including heroin), and 72,000 use inhalants.
